There is always a friendly rivalry between local clubs, so it was with some relish that Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde took first place in both the men's and women's races, organised by Wesham Road Runners over the fast Springfield 10k course.

In-form Stuart Robinson (32mins, 18secs) dominated the men's race, leading almost throughout. Although a little disappointed not to improve his personal best time, Stuart was more than satisfied to notch another win in a big event.

In the women's race, it was another great win for Gemma Unsworth (37.42), who is enjoying a golden run of form, like Stuart.

The men's team of Stuart, John Wright (34.15), who finished sixth, Luke Minns (36.15, 20th) and James Unsworth (36.46) were edged out by the home team, while the women's trio of Gemma, Carolyn Robbins (sixth, 40.28) and Stasia Bligh (ninth, 41.10) reversed the order to take first prize.

In the veteran classes, John Wright was first man over 45, Johnny Houghton third over- 50 in 37.28 and John Winters second over-70 in 49.03.

Carolyn Robbins, a close second at the Preston 10 miles, was not to be denied this time in the women's event and took first place in her category.

Tanya Ashworth (43.39) was a close second in the V35 race and Hilary Goorney (59.13) took the V65 prize.

There were some good performances lower down the field. David Twizell (47.27) recorded his best for more than two years. Although it was not good enough to haul in Peter Gibson (46.41), David did hold off fast-finishing John Bradley (47.35).

At Sefton Park, the prolonged rain made the course a demanding quagmire.

Nevertheless, there was a huge and high-class entry for the McCain Cross Country challenge.

Superb performances from Jake Lonsdale and Ciaran Johnson, who covered 1.9km through the mud in just over seven minutes, took them to first and second in the boys' under-11 event, while Mollie Scarr and Annie Bradshaw both featured strongly in the girls' race.

Jake and Ciaran were thrilled to receive their prizes from Liz McColgan – one of the all-time greats of British distance running.

Mollie and Amelia Betmead were 19th and 23rd in the under-13 event – proving what a competitive series this is and emphasising the fantastic achievement of Jake Whalley in winning the boys' under-13 3km race in 10.30. Bradley Yates (11.05) also produced an excellent run in 15th place.

With Caroline Betmead and Bev Wright injured and Gemma Unsworth at Wesham, it was not a day for fielding a women's team, and the men too were depleted.

Tom Cunningham (32.28) ploughed through the mud to be the club's first finisher in 110th place, with Malc Eadie (32.57) not far behind in 126th.

Luke Minns was 151st in 33.57 and Steve Waterhouse produced a good run to get round in 36.22.

n After giving tremendous and distinguished service to the club for many years, Margaret Brown has been forced to retire because of persistent injury.

Margaret has won races all over the UK and set new standards for her age group. She still holds many club records.

Accepting a rose bowl from Nick Hume in recognition of her magnificent contribution, Margaret said she was having trouble getting used to being a non-runner but was truly grateful for the many friendships her athletics career had brought her.